DIY Network

Web Extra: Screen Printing Host Amy Devers explains the process of screen printing on glass. From "Freeform Furniture" episode DFFF-205

Amy shares tips on screen printing.

Screen Printing

• Screen printing, also called serigraphy or silk screening, is one of the foremost techniques used by professionals and consumers today.

• To stretch your own silk screen, you must start with a wood frame and a piece of silk screen fabric that is a couple inches larger than your frame. Immerse your fabric in water and remember to keep it damp while stretching. Center the fabric over the frame, groove side up, then tap a 1" rope into the groove. Pull the fabric tight on the other side, then tap in the rope. Repeat this, pulling each side tight, then tapping in the rope.

• Start in one corner and gently tap the long length of rope part way into the groove, pulling the fabric taut as you go and removing the 1" rope lengths as you come to them. Finally, tap the rope all the way into the groove and then cut the excess fabric off. Make sure to leave about 1/2" outside the groove.

• If you do not have a frame with a groove on one side, you can still build a silk screen. Simply use a staple gun to attach the fabric to the frame, keeping the fabric damp and stretching it taut along the way.

• Once your silk screen has been stretched, it is time to print. Photo emulsion is the traditional way to do so. To use this technique of printing, you must first coat the inside of the screen with the emulsion solution.

• Apply it evenly with a squeegee, then let it dry horizontally in a cool, dark place. Leave the screen here until you are ready to print. Place the silk screen frame—coated with emulsion that is dried—in the contact exposure unit. The well of the screen should have the foam inserted into it and be locked down in position, flat face up.

• Place your artwork backwards in the center of the screen. Put plate glass over that, making sure the artwork is completely covered by glass. Take the contact exposure unit out into the sunlight and let the sun expose it for about 20 minutes. Once it has been exposed, take the screen into the shade and remove the glass and the artwork. Clean the screen off with a water hose until the positive image is cleared.

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Amy discusses glow-in-the-dark inks.

Glow-in-the-Dark Silk Screening Inks

• Glow-in-the-dark inks, also called phosphorescent or luminescent, are a great way to add some interest to any subject—especially ones intended for use outside at night, or by children. Phosphorescent inks for silk screen were developed commercially in the 1970's and have only become better with our increase in technology.

• These inks are not only versatile, but like most inks, easy to use. And they really last—at least the good ones do when used correctly.

• Glow-in-the-dark inks look like other standard textile inks by day. In the dark or by night, they glow after exposure to light. Most glowing inks last up to eight hours in the dark.

• Glow-in-the-dark inks come premixed, but you can also mix your own and make it more personalized. To do so, you must start with a transparent printing ink. Then, choose an average size luminous pigment, combining 20 to 40 percent luminous pigment with the transparent ink by stirring, not grinding. The more you add, the brighter the glow. Next, to avoid any deposits, use a high viscosity resin. Finally, once the ink is all mixed up, you are ready to print and add a glow-in-the-dark effect to almost anything.

RESOURCES :

Festool
Website: www.festoolusa.com

Stanley Tools Product Group
Website: www.stanleytools.com

Lie-Nielsen Toolworks, Inc.
Website: www.lie-nielsen.com

Power Tools
Porter Cable Power Tools
Website: www.deltaportercable.com

Gladiator GarageWorks
Website: gladiatorgarageworks.com

Hand Tools
Garrett Wade Co., Inc.
Website: www.garrettwade.com

The Peck Tool Company
Website: www.pecktool.com

Biesemeyer
Website: www.biesemeyer.com

Saw Blades
Forrest Manufacturing Company
Website: www.vacupress.com

Jogensen Adjustable Clamp Company
Website: www.adjustableclamp.com

Adhesives, Abrasives and Safety Equipment
The 3M Company
Website: www.3m.com

Klein Tools
Website: www.kleintools.com

Power Tool Accessories
Woodcraft
Website: www.woodcraft.com

Ulmia GmbH
Website: www.ulmia.de

Shop Equipment
Eagle Manufacturing Company
Website: www.eagle-mfg.com

Delta Power Tools
Website: www.deltaportercable.com

WMH Tool Group
Website: www.whmtoolgroup.com

MacBeath Hardwood
Website: www.macbeath.com